Prostate Care
Routine screening is vital for early detection
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer diagnosed in men, affecting about 1 in 8 men in their lifetime. In its early stages, prostate cancer has no obvious symptoms. Risk factors for prostate cancer include older age, race, ethnicity and family history of the disease.
Regular screening remains the most effective way to protect against advanced disease, and when caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable.
Prostate cancer can be found early:
- By testing for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in a man’s blood
- Through a digital rectal exam (DRE) in which a provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any bumps or hard areas on the prostate that might be cancer
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein made within the prostate gland. PSA blood testing is measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) and the chance of having prostate cancer rises as the PSA levels increase. While there is no specific PSA level measurement that indicates prostate cancer, most men with prostate cancer have PSA levels over 3-4 ng/mL.
PSA levels can be elevated in men with prostate cancer or who have other issues, such as infection, having an enlarged prostate, inflammation, and recent urinary catheterization. Bicycle riding and ejaculation a few days prior to the PSA blood test can also cause an artificially elevated PSA level. If prostate cancer is suspected, your provider may order further tests, such as imaging or a biopsy.
Recommended screening guidelines
It is recommended that individuals have a chance to make an informed decision with their healthcare provider about whether to be screened for prostate cancer. The decision should be made after getting information about the possible benefits, risks, and uncertainties of prostate cancer screening.
Beginning to screen with a baseline PSA test should be considered:
- Between ages 45-50 for men who are at average risk of developing prostate cancer
- Between ages 40-45 for men at increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
If prostate cancer is not found as a result of screening, the time between future screenings depends on the levels of PSA identified in the blood. Your provider will help guide you with a recommended screening interval.
Specialized care for prostate cancer
In prostate cancer care, we employ the latest tools for diagnosis and treatment. Cape Cod Healthcare’s Multi-parametric Prostate MRI imaging and our clinical partner Urology Associates of Cape Cod's UroNav Fusion Prostate Biopsy System, enable physicians to find and test lesions in the prostate with unparalleled accuracy.
Should a diagnosis be confirmed, our urologic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists are trained and experienced in the most up-to-date treatments for prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer treatment options depend on the specific characteristics of a patient’s cancer and their age and health, ranging from surgery, radiation, and/or medication to active surveillance (monitoring without up-front treatment). Your doctor will collaborate with a team of specialists to evaluate the best options and discuss them with you to develop a comprehensive and personalized care plan. As Cape Cod Hospital is a member of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Cancer Care Collaborative, we are also able to offer our patients streamlined access to consultations, and additional specialty and support services.
Support Services
Cape Cod Healthcare offers a full range of support services for cancer patients and their families, including counseling, education, financial and insurance information, and networking.
